Ronald Barnes, 57, was found dead inside his Beaumont residence in the 2200 block of Ives Street on September 14, 2024. A preliminary autopsy determined he sustained fatal gunshot wounds to the shoulder and neck. Barnes shared the home with his twin brother.

Detectives identified several persons of interest in the days after the discovery. Romeo Johnson, 36, surrendered on September 15 on an unrelated parole violation and was interviewed about the death. Jada Smith, 34, and Shanna King were also taken into custody on unrelated warrants and questioned. Brandon Dodd, 39, was arrested on October 14, 2024; both Dodd and Johnson were later charged with first-degree murder. Probable cause affidavits say community tips and surveillance footage implicated Johnson and Dodd, and cell phone location data placed Johnson at the scene around the time of the homicide.

A Jefferson County grand jury returned first-degree murder indictments for both men on December 11, 2024; each is held at the Jefferson County jail on $850,000 bond. The investigation remains ongoing. If anyone has information about Ronald Barnes’ death, please contact the Beaumont Police Department or Southeast Texas Crime Stoppers.